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Falls risk screenings offered in October

Everyone is at risk for falls, especially those who have hazards around them, are taking medications and those with physical limitations.

The majority of falls in older adults occur in the home because of many factors including obstacles and medication use. Serious injuries can result from falls including hip fractures and head injuries.

It is especially important to prevent falls, as one-third of adults age 65 and older fall each year and one-half of adults age 72 and older experience falls. Sadly, almost 50 percent of older adults who sustain a serious injury never fully recover. Some people feel that the best thing to do if they’ve fallen, or are afraid of falling, is to be less active, but in actuality, inactivity makes it more likely an individual will fall. When a person is less active, reserves of energy, muscle tone, and alertness are all reduced.